tynajoymetzner

Mission Accomplished Now What?

On this, the eve of my 62nd birthday … 

Birthdays are an opportunity to spend time reflecting on your soul journey. Looking at where you’ve been to where your life path is heading. As we age, we realize that our desires don’t always fit with our reality. Some people are terrific at switching and changing narratives. My recent ASU graduate is that person. I however, still long for independence and, my own personal accomplishments. 

I recently spent several weeks recovering from a radial distal fracture, (broken wrist). First time experience of breaking a bone! 

A harsh lesson in patience, acceptance and frustration! I broke my right wrist which apparently was everything to me lol. When I couldn’t use my arm due to injury and the cast, I realized just how much I relied on my arm for everything I do. 

I had 5 weeks of immobilization in a cast. It didn’t take long to figure out the physical limitations. I wasn’t prepared for the mental / psychological challenge it would be. I had to think about and plan how to maneuver every task. Accomplishing household chores with just my left hand, at first. I was concerned that I might lose dexterity in my right hand permanently. I felt so broken! It was difficult to accept and stay positive. 

I never allowed myself to be helpless. I did everything from cooking, cleaning, making the bed, laundry, washing dishes. I power-walked a lot. I drove. I did everything but rest lol. Casts are uncomfortable! 🥴 

The first meal I made with my cast on… took a long time to make but I realized that I could still cook! The things we take for granted…

I missed my hand. I worried maybe it would change my ability to play the piano. It would break my heart and spirit if I couldn’t play well anymore. 

Anyway, I’m a few weeks out of my cast and I’m healing extremely well! I have been able to do everything I missed out on. Although still a bit stiff, I’m back! I played my keyboard for hours and hours a few days ago and I’m thrilled to be back at it. Wonderfully fun❤️. I needed that! 

A new perspective on life with a definite appreciation for the small things. 

Mother’ Day flowers 

Graduation party flowers-

Having this injury was a humbling experience for sure!
Thankfully, I got the cast off the day before Zoe’s graduation. 

It was painstaking to try to look nice with limited right hand lol. Oh well, I tried 😝.

During this recovery, my youngest daughter graduated from Arizona State University! She got her bachelor’s degree in accounting. 

Her Dad and I threw a big party for her. Lots of planning and home improvement projects while in my cast. I even painted! 

Forks up! Zoe is now a ASU alumni now!

Put in a pantry which is absolutely amazing! Howard built the pantry, I painted it. 

Love having all of this space! Has freed up my kitchen! 

Then we headed into Memorial Day Weekend… my grandson Thomas graduated from high school! 

Yay Tommy! 

Here he is with his siblings! 

Tomorrow is my birthday… definitely taking time out to have a Calgon (Dr. Teals) moment . Don’t have much planned. Cake and ice cream with our neighbors on Sunday. Going to conserve energy for the big drive to Seattle next week.! Zoe and her boyfriend are moving to Seattle. We are helping with the move. She will be starting an internship with a prestigious accounting firm there. In the fall, she begins her grad program at University Of Washington for her masters! 

Zoe is all grown up! 

Such an amazing young woman!

I’m definitely experiencing that empty nest feeling. I will miss Zoe so much! I’m wondering how I want to live my life now that Zoe is grown? How do I see myself growing old? My job here is complete! 

Daughter Delcee and her family are moving to Texas in early July as well. So many changes leaving me to ponder what I should be doing with the rest of my years and where?! 

It’s time for me to dig deeper to reinvent myself!